“We are in the race” says Emery

Aston Villa supervisor Unai Emery says his aspect “are within the race for the second a part of the season” after a 2-2 draw at house to Brighton.

Targets from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers put Villa forward however a advantageous low shot from Tariq Lamptey secured a degree for the Seagulls.

It means Villa enter 2025 in ninth place – however solely six factors off the highest 4.

Your help has been sensational all through 2024, thanks Villans 💜 pic.twitter.com/QW6oXZJHAU

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024

Emery mentioned: “I’ve to just accept the end result however I’m just a little bit pissed off with it. The desk could be very tight however we’re within the race for the second a part of the season.

“We’re ninth within the desk and we now have to attempt to begin once more towards Leicester. We end the primary a part of the season with 29 factors, it’s not one of the best however not the worst.

“This league could be very tight and we now have to attempt to enhance and proper why we’re conceding a number of targets. We began the second half completely when scoring targets and creating possibilities. We created sufficient possibilities to attain and win the match.”

Torres damage

Villa misplaced defender Pau Torres to damage simply 20 minutes in, with Emery anxious the Spaniard might have damaged his foot.

“I believe it’s not a giant damage however I believe he possibly broke his metatarsal, possibly,” Emery mentioned.

“Now we have gamers to exchange him however he is essential. Tomorrow will verify the damage he has.”